Careers Done Write Workshop on the Go: Soft Skills Part I: Positive Attitude
Zig Ziglar once said, "It is your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude." We hear so much about positive attitudes that we tend to tune it out. You may be thinking, “Sure, sure…I know. My attitude is fine.” Well, if you are happy being just fine, you can skip this blog and tune in next time. However, if you trust me that an attitude can change every aspect of your life and can open new doors in along your career path, continue reading for a few tips to maintain a positive attitude.
Plant Seeds of Success through Self Talk
The biggest change you can make is to eliminate all negative thoughts and negative self talk. Negativity is destructive to your confidence and your ability. If you can replace those downbeat thoughts with a visualization of success, soon you will believe it will come true.
Be Grateful
Do you ever notice that the most negative people are not grateful? Any one of us can sit and make a list of all the good in our lives. We ALL have something for which we can be grateful. If you have trouble making a list, this is probably an area in which you need some work.
Get Multi-Media Support
Do you ever watch a very intense or sad movie and you just can’t shake it for a day or two? The media we take in affects us. We can use it to our advantage by selecting uplifting music, podcasts, movies, and books. Here are a few of my favorites when I want to elevate my mood.
Podcasts:
Daily Boost and Positive Thinking Radio
Songs:
“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi; “Eye of the Tiger, by Survivor; “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked; “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers; ““Hero” by Mariah Carey; Beautiful Day” by U2, and how could we leave out the Lion King favorite, Hakuna Matata by Elton John & Tim Rice.
Movies:
Slumdog Millionaire, The Blind Side, Dead Poets Society, Groundhog Day, Pursuit of Happyness, and Working Girl
Books:
Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
The Power of Self Coaching by Joseph Luciani, PhD
Healthy Lifestyle
Eating healthy, exercise, and adequate sleep contribute to our mental and psychological well-being. Take time to take care of yourself and you will feel the difference.
Birds of a Feather
Surround yourself with positive people. Without trying, we adopt the attitudes of those with whom we spend time. If you are spending time with the office gossip, you may pick up her/his habits, but also her/his reputation. Then there is the sad sack who spends the entire 90-minute lunch complaining about his life. You get back to the office completely drained. I call this the “Eeyore Syndrome.” Every friend has a bad day and needs to vent. However, if you find yourself with someone who is constantly weighing you down with negativity, you may want to take a step back from that relationship. Find positive, like-minded people who enhance your life.
A positive attitude comes very naturally for some. They are just lucky that way. Others need to work a bit more to maintain an optimistic outlook. Follow the above steps and you may be whistling a happy tune in a matter of weeks.